Vintage garments refer to clothing and accessories from earlier eras, typically over 20 years old but less than 100 years old. These textile treasures are more than just fabric—they're historical artefacts that tell stories of past fashion, craftsmanship, and cultural moments.

But with age comes fragility, and cleaning these treasured pieces isn’t as simple as tossing them in the washing machine. But worry not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about preserving and cleaning your vintage clothing.

And if things feel too risky? Get the help of a professional dry cleaner like Tumble to help.

‍

How to Clean Vintage Garments at Home

Unlike modern clothes, vintage garments often come with fragile fibres, natural dyes, or hand-sewn details. Over time, fabrics like silk, rayon, or cotton can weaken or discolour, and even seemingly sturdy garments may have hidden issues like dry rot or worn stitching. The older the piece, the more care it usually needs.

Some vintage items were made before washing instructions became standard, so care labels might be missing, faded, or confusing. Even if a label is readable, the recommended cleaning method might not hold up decades later. That's why understanding the nature of vintage materials is key to preserving them.

Cleaning vintage at home is totally possible with the right approach. The key is to be gentle and patient.

‍

Check Before Cleaning

Before starting to clean any vintage garment, always inspect the item carefully. Follow these preliminary steps:

• Read the garment's care label (if available). This gives clues on fabric type and cleaning instructions.

• Do a colorfastness test. Dampen a cotton swab with water and dab a hidden area. If the dye transfers, skip water-based cleaning and opt for dry cleaning.

• Check for existing damage. Look for delicate seams, loose threads, fragile fabric areas, and weak spots. This will help you determine the safest cleaning method.

• Sniff test. If the piece smells musty or old, it may need airing out before any cleaning. But if the odours are persistent, professional cleaning might be best.

Taking a few minutes for this prep can save the garment and avoid heartbreak.

‍

Hand-Washing

Hand-washing is often the safest method for delicate vintage items, especially for natural fibres like silk, wool, and cotton. Here's how to do it properly:

1. Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm or cold water.

2. Add a small amount of mild detergent. Baby shampoo or a specialised, delicate fabric cleaner works best.

3. Submerge the garment and gently swish it around. No twisting, scrubbing, or harsh rubbing.

4. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes.

5. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.

6. Gently press out excess water. Never wring it.

Lay flat on a towel to dry and reshape if needed. For delicate pieces, sandwich them between two towels to absorb moisture.

‍

Spot-Cleaning

For small stains or spot treatments, be extra cautious:

1. Use white cloth or cotton swabs to prevent colour transfer.

2. Consider specialised vintage fabric cleaning solutions.

3. Always test cleaning solution on a hidden area first.

4. Gently dab, never rub.

And for tricky stains or those that don't budge, a professional dry cleaning service like Tumble might help.

‍

Air-Drying

When drying vintage clothes, air drying is your best friend. Direct heat can shrink or damage vintage fabrics, so natural methods are key. Remember these tips:

• Never use dryers.

• Reshape delicate knits while damp.

• Avoid direct sunlight as it can fade colors.

• Use padded hangers if the fabric can handle hanging. Otherwise, lay flat on a clean towel or mesh rack to avoid stretching or distorting.

• Patience is crucial. Let the garment dry completely before storing or wearing it.

‍

When to Leave it to the Pros

Some vintage pieces are best left in the hands of professionals. Dry cleaning may be the safest route if:

• The garment is made of wool, velvet, or silk.

• There are decorative details like beads, sequins, or intricate embellishments.

• The colour is prone to bleeding

• You notice any significant damage or fragility, such as fragile stitching or fabric decay.

• You're dealing with a vintage piece more than 50 years old.

A professional dry cleaner specialises in cleaning delicate fabrics, offering expert care that respects the history and material of vintage garments. They will know how to handle different fabrics and their unique requirements, so letting them help can save your treasured items.

‍

How to Store Vintage Clothing?

Proper storage is just as important as cleaning when it comes to keeping vintage garments in good shape. Here are some storage tips to keep in mind:

• Make sure items are fully clean before storing. Stains and body oils can set over time and attract insects.

• Store in cool, dark, and dry places. Keep away from sunlight.

• Use breathable cotton garment bags instead of plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause decay.

• Use padded hangers for sturdier pieces like coats and dresses. Delicate items that could stretch or lose shape over time should be stored flat.

• Use acid-free archival tissue or garment bags for knitwear and delicate pieces.

• Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to ward off pests naturally.

• Let clothes breathe. Don't overstuff your closet.

A little prevention goes a long way in preserving vintage fashion. With careful cleaning and storage, these historical fashion pieces can continue to tell their stories for years to come.

‍

Final Thoughts

Vintage fashion is more than just clothing—it’s wearable history. With some care and attention, these pieces can stay beautiful and wearable for decades. Remember to go slow, be gentle, and when in doubt, ask for help.

Tumble offers expert fabric care tailored for delicate and vintage garments, so your favourite finds are always in safe hands. Book a laundry service today and preserve your vintage treasures with professional care.